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优胜劣汰 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
优胜劣汰yōushèngliètàisurvival of the fittest (idiom)HSK 7, l, 28 strokes, rank #37894, Very Hard
yōushèngliètài(you1sheng4lie4tai4)you sheng lie tai T1
  1. 1survival of the fittest (idiom)
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March 24, 2026

优胜劣汰(優勝劣汰)yōushèngliètài(you1sheng4lie4tai4)

优胜劣汰 is an idiom that translates to 'survival of the fittest.' It describes a natural selection process where the strongest individuals thrive while the weaker ones fail. This concept is often used in discussions about competition in nature, business, and society, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strength.

Strokes28Frequency#37894DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

优胜劣汰 reflects the competitive nature of Chinese society, particularly in education and business, where individuals and companies strive to outperform each other. This concept is deeply rooted in both Chinese philosophy and the history of economic development.

Memory tip

Imagine a race where the fastest animals reach the finish line first, leaving behind the slower ones. The characters 优 (you) means 'superior,' 胜 (sheng) means 'to win,' 劣 (lie) means 'inferior,' and 汰 (tai) means 'to eliminate.' Visualize a scene where the best runners (优胜) cross a finish line, while the slower competitors (劣汰) drop out, reinforcing the idea of survival of the fittest.

Meanings of 优胜劣汰

yōushèngliètài(you1sheng4lie4tai4)
1survival of the fittest (idiom)
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About 优胜劣汰

优胜劣汰Simplified
優勝劣汰Traditional
28Strokes
—Radical
习用语phrase (phr.)Part of Speech
#37894Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 优胜劣汰

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AI study notes for 优胜劣汰

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in formal discussions and can appear in literature, academic writing, and business contexts. Common mistakes include using it in informal conversations where simpler expressions might suffice. Ensure the tone matches the seriousness of the topic when using this idiom.

HSK Study Tips

As a level 6 HSK phrase, 优胜劣汰 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to competition and nature. Students should focus on understanding the context in which it is used and practice it in both spoken and written forms to enhance fluency.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 优胜劣汰 to describe general situations of failure and success, rather than in contexts of competition. For example, saying '优胜劣汰 applies to my friend's job search' can be too broad; it's better to specify it relates to competitive environments.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 优胜劣汰

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Idiom spotlight: 优胜劣汰

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:excellent win, inferior eliminated

Component characters

优yōuexcellent
HSK 76 strokes亻
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胜shèngvictory
HSK 59 strokes⺼
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劣lièinferior
6 strokes力
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汰tàito discard
7 strokes氵
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How to say survival of the fittest (idiom) in Chinese

“survival of the fittest (idiom)” in Chinese is优胜劣汰yōushèngliètài

优胜劣汰 is an idiom that translates to 'survival of the fittest.' It describes a natural selection process where the strongest individuals thrive while the weaker ones fail. This concept is often used in discussions about competition in nature, business, and society, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strength.

When to use 优胜劣汰

This idiom is often used in formal discussions and can appear in literature, academic writing, and business contexts. Common mistakes include using it in informal conversations where simpler expressions might suffice. Ensure the tone matches the seriousness of the topic when using this idiom.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 优胜劣汰 to describe general situations of failure and success, rather than in contexts of competition. For example, saying '优胜劣汰 applies to my friend's job search' can be too broad; it's better to specify it relates to competitive environments.

Write 优胜劣汰

优
胜
劣
汰

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Cultural Notes for 优胜劣汰

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The concept of survival of the fittest is similarly recognized in Western cultures, but in China, it often emphasizes collective success and harmony amidst competition, contrasting with the individualistic approach in many Western contexts.

Frequently asked questions about 优胜劣汰

No, it is commonly used in various contexts such as business competition, social dynamics, and personal achievements.

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